Rihanna, Nicole Richie, and model Alessandra Ambrosio are just a few of many celebrities recently spotted paddleboarding, also known as stand up paddle surfing (SUP). Paddleboarding is turning out to be one of the worlds’ fastest growing water sports. Not only is it technically easy to master, but it also gives you a great workout!

Stand up paddleboarding was created in Hawaii but has gained popularity in the sunny beaches of California and Florida. The sport is also very popular in Australia and the United Kingdom. The paddleboards themselves are quite expensive, usually ranging from $600 to $1500. They can be bought in a fiberglass type material or inflatable. Paddles are usually around $50. But beach natives and vacationers can usually take lessons and rent equipment at local beaches, quite often for a group rate. If you’d like to try out the sport in the states be sure to bring your personal flotation device (PFD). Since October 3, 2008 the US coastguard has considered the paddleboard to be a vessel, and requires that anyone using it wear a PFD in certain areas.

Though SUP is trendy on large beaches enthusiasts also suggest that you try the sport in lakes and rivers, areas where waves are calm. The sport in that way is very different from surfing, being easier to control the board and find a sense of balance. It is so easy that some even fish while on the board.

Image credit: Splash News

Although the technique may be easy to learn, many say that SUP still gives you a great workout! Many say that the sport is a great cardio session, and really helps you to strengthen your core. Standing properly on the paddleboard requires that you maintain a strong posture, and the paddling strokes give you a upper body workout as you pull against the resistance of the water. Even more so that rowing, your abdominals and oblique’s are given a good workout as you twist from side to side to paddle forward. With the summer here it would be a great activity for family and friends while hitting the waves and soaking up some sun!